Review: Sony DSC-RX100

Conclusion

Pros:

• Very compact, rugged body with a big sensor
• Controls are within easy reach and very customizable
• Good image sharpness throughout the zoom range
• Outstanding dynamic range
• Good noise handling, allowing for quality images up to ISO 1600
• Responsive with very fast and accurate autofocus
• High quality video mode
• Very good out of camera JPEGs

Cons:

• Camera lacks any sort of front grip, so can be slick and slightly awkward to hold
• Some odd limitations on controls options such as the inability to have exposure compensation on the rear dial.
• Slightly confusing ‘wheel’ paradigm when changing settings
• Lens is soft on the edges and has relatively pronounced chromatic aberration
• Macro mode is pretty soft.

Overall, the Sony DSC-RX100 is a serious camera.  Not just for those looking for a high quality point and shoot as their sole camera, but even for the serious photographer looking for a take anywhere camera.  While the limited aperture at the long end would make me look elsewhere as my only camera, I loved shooting with it as a ‘take anywhere’ camera.  Most importantly, I never really felt I was compromising my ability to get high quality shots when I left my OM-D in the car and was testing this little guy.

The RX100 is actually the perfect camera for someone looking to upgrade to something like a DSLR just for the image quality, but who doesn’t want to hassle with buying multiple lenses.  All those people who own a DSLR and the kit zoom with no intention of ever buying additional lenses should seriously consider a swap to the RX100.  It has similar image quality and capabilities in a much smaller package.

There are some odd interface issues that I eventually became used to, and the lens certainly isn’t perfect.  However, while it has its quirks, the Sony RX100 is definitely the finest compact camera I have ever used.

Image Samples